It’s an exciting time as the 2026 Winter Olympics are underway. Many kids will watch the games, some aspiring to participate someday, others learning about new sports they’ve never seen before, and still more excited to cheer on their country’s athletes.
Between the ceremonial traditions, unique sporting events, and world-class athletes, the Olympics put play on the world stage. The games also provide an opportunity to celebrate and uplift positive play behaviors for children.
Here are 4 takeaways that the Olympics can model for kids.
1. All are welcome.
Athletes come together from across all languages, cultures, and countries of origin to compete in the Olympic Games. These differences don’t cause barriers when each sport has an established set of shared rules and expectations, so athletes know what it takes to compete.
Kids can experience this same sense of connectedness across cultural and language differences through games that are easy to learn and welcoming to all. The key is to engage kids in creating a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels invited to get in the game.
Game spotlight: Foursquare is a fast-moving, easy-to-learn game that will get groups of kids playing and having fun together.
2. Keep trying.
Olympians are the pinnacle of perseverance, overcoming obstacles and bringing their best effort, regardless of the outcome. While every athlete is going for gold, there can be only one in the top spot. In acknowledging the incredible effort it takes to even qualify for the games, we recognize this achievement almost as much as making it to the podium. The Olympic creed itself emphasizes the effort over the outcome.
This can be an important lesson for kids as well – that the practice and dedication to keep going despite challenges is recognized and celebrated. This can be achieved in many ways, including modeling positive language such as “good job, nice try” and brushing off mistakes. We can also encourage effort over results by incorporating games that include recycle lines or actions such as 10 jumping jacks rather than getting “out” so kids enjoy continuous play rather than focusing on a win or loss.
Game spotlight: tag games such as Bandage Tag keep kids active and engaged in the game without ending with a clear winner or loser. As long as they keep moving and playing, they are ultimately successful.
3. Teamwork makes the dreamwork.
The Olympics spotlight teamwork, both in team and individual sports, as athletes are working together to earn medals for themselves and their country. It’s easy to see the importance of teamwork in sports such as hockey or bobsledding, where each athlete must be a team player to succeed. But when it comes to the Olympics, individual athletes are also competing as part of a larger team – representing their country. This is showcased in the medal counts that keep a running tally of how Team USA, and all of the other countries, are ranking in the games as a whole.
Through play, kids can practice skills of teamwork, cooperation, and communication – all skills that will benefit them on and off the field. Olympic athletes rely on their teammates, either literally through team sports, or indirectly through teams of coaches and trainers, to show up as their best selves. The wide variety of Olympic sports is also a great way to demonstrate the huge range of skills different kids may have. And by bringing together their unique talents, children can work together toward a common goal.
Game spotlight: Cooperative games such as Tic Tac Toe Relay encourage kids to take turns as individual players while working together as a team.
4. Play with integrity.
Olympic athletes model healthy competition by showing respect for their competitors. Camaraderie and mutual support for fellow athletes are widely seen across the Olympic Games. These individuals are highly skilled and are among a select few to represent their countries, and yet they still embrace the value of participating with integrity and respect for one another. This is a wonderful takeaway for children looking up to these superstars.
Play can often bring out a competitive streak, and it is important to give kids a way to practice healthy competition in a safe and respectful way. When kids are given opportunities to explore a variety of games, they can try on various roles, like positions in sports, develop new skills, and, most importantly, discover what sparks their joy. By learning the basic skills and rules, children can feel empowered to participate in games and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with teamwork.
Game spotlight: 3-Lines Soccer is a fun, active way to introduce soccer skills while giving kids of all levels a chance to play.
Here are a few more games with fun, winter and sports themes you can try on during the Olympics:
- Blizzard
- Capture the Flag
- Journey Around the World
- Rock Paper Scissors Relay
- Sports Clubs
- Ultimate Ball
